Foreign relations of the United States

The United States has vast economic, political and military influence on a global scale, which makes its foreign policy a subject of great interest and discussion around the world.

Diplomatic relations

The United States has one of the largest diplomatic presences of any nation. Almost every country in the world has both a U.S. embassy and an embassy of its own in Washington, D.C.. Only a few nations do not have formal diplomatic relations with the United States. They are:

Related Topics:
Embassy - Washington, D.C.

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• Cuba
• Bhutan
• Iran
• North Korea
• Sudan
• Somalia
• Republic of China (Taiwan)

In pratical terms however, these lack of formal relations do not impede the U.S.'s communication with these nations. In the cases where no U.S. diplomatic post exists, American relations are usually conducted via Canada, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, or another friendly third-party. In the case of the Republic of China, de facto relations are conducted through the American Institute in Taiwan. The U.S. also operates an 'Interests Section' in Havana, Cuba. While this does not create a formal diplomatic relationship, it fulfils most other typical embassy functions.

Related Topics:
Canada - United Kingdom - Switzerland - American Institute in Taiwan

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The U.S. maintains a Normal Trade Relations list and several countries are excluded from it, which means that their exports to the United States are subject to significantly higher tariffs.

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